U.S. patent application number 17/077908 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-29 for battery tray for protecting the vehicle battery of a hybrid motor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Tachafine Machaar, Daniel Meckenstock, Frank Michel, Marius Sawatzki.
Application Number | 20210122222 17/077908 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005192486 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-29 |
![](/patent/app/20210122222/US20210122222A1-20210429\US20210122222A1-2021042)
United States Patent
Application |
20210122222 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meckenstock; Daniel ; et
al. |
April 29, 2021 |
BATTERY TRAY FOR PROTECTING THE VEHICLE BATTERY OF A HYBRID
MOTOR
Abstract
An assembly provides impact protection for a vehicle battery of
a hybrid motor vehicle, in particular a mild hybrid motor vehicle.
The hybrid motor vehicle can have at least a first vehicle seat, a
second vehicle seat arranged adjacent to the first vehicle seat, a
center console arranged therebetween, and a center tunnel arranged
below the center console and a vehicle battery. The assembly can
include a battery tray having an upwardly directed opening for
receiving the vehicle battery which is arranged, or can be
arranged, in the region of the center console between the first
vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat.
Inventors: |
Meckenstock; Daniel;
(Wuppertal, DE) ; Sawatzki; Marius; (Pulheim,
DE) ; Michel; Frank; (Odenthal, DE) ; Machaar;
Tachafine; (Koln, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005192486 |
Appl. No.: |
17/077908 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Y 2306/01 20130101;
B60K 2001/0427 20130101; H01M 2220/20 20130101; B60K 1/04 20130101;
B62D 25/2036 20130101; H01M 50/20 20210101; B60K 2001/0438
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60K 1/04 20060101
B60K001/04; H01M 2/10 20060101 H01M002/10; B62D 25/20 20060101
B62D025/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 27, 2019 |
DE |
102019128940.8 |
Claims
1. An assembly that provides impact protection for a vehicle
battery of a hybrid motor vehicle, comprising: at least a first
vehicle seat; a second vehicle seat arranged adjacent to the first
vehicle seat; a center console arranged between the first vehicle
seat and the second vehicle seat; a center tunnel arranged below
the center console and a vehicle battery; and a battery tray having
an upwardly directed opening for receiving the vehicle battery, the
battery tray arranged in the region of the center console between
the first vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the vehicle battery is a
vehicle battery of a mild hybrid motor vehicle.
3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a flexible fastening
device that fastens the battery tray to the hybrid motor vehicle
such that the battery tray is moveable relative to the center
tunnel by means of the flexible fastening device.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the battery tray is arranged
above the center tunnel.
5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the fastening device of the
assembly includes at least one connecting element configured to
fasten an underside of the battery tray to a center tunnel upper
side of the center tunnel.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the battery tray of the
assembly has a stiffening cover for closing the upwardly directed
opening.
7. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one
crossbar disposed in a transverse vehicle direction, and a load
distribution device disposed between the at least one crossbar and
the battery tray.
8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one crossbar is
within the first vehicle seat, the second vehicle seat or both the
first vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the cross-bar is disposed along
a rotational axis of a seat back.
10. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the load distribution device
includes a cover arranged at an end portion of the crossbar facing
the center console.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the cover has an abutment
surface that is oriented perpendicularly to the crossbar.
12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the cover has a rib structure
for reinforcing the cover.
13. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the load distribution device
of the assembly has a plate and the plate is suitable for
transmitting a load from the crossbar to the cover, the battery
tray, or both the cover and the battery tray.
14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the plate has a rib structure
for reinforcing the plate.
15. A method of providing impact protection for a vehicle battery
of a hybrid motor vehicle, comprising: fastening a battery tray to
a center tunnel of a hybrid motor vehicle using a flexible
fastening device such that the battery tray is moveable relative to
the center tunnel by means of the flexible fastening device.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving a vehicle
battery through an upwardly directed opening of the battery
tray.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the battery tray is arranged in
a region of a center console of the hybrid motor vehicle between a
first vehicle seat and a second vehicle seat of the hybrid motor
vehicle.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the battery tray is disposed
above a center tunnel of the hybrid motor vehicle.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning a load
distribution device between at least one crossbar of the first
vehicle seat, the at least one crossbar disposed in a transverse
vehicle direction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to DE Patent Application
No. 102019128940.8, which was filed on 27 Oct. 2019 and is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to an assembly that provides
protection for a vehicle battery of a hybrid motor vehicle, such as
a mild hybrid motor vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A widespread variant of a hybrid motor vehicle is the
so-called mild hybrid (mHEV). Although an electric motor is used in
mild hybrid vehicles, its torque and battery power are typically
not sufficient in themselves to drive the motor vehicle. The
electric drive only supports the internal combustion engine in
order to increase power. Nevertheless, the mild hybrid has good
fuel efficiency potential and can be additionally integrated into
existing vehicle designs at little cost. The vehicle battery for
mild hybrids of this kind is typically a 48-Volt battery.
[0004] The amount of storage space available for the 48-Volt
battery in a hybrid motor vehicle is limited. A possible location
for the arrangement of the 48-Volt battery is, for example,
proposed in "The Impact of Electro-Mobility on Vehicle Body
Construction" (from autocarpro.in) in the region of the center
console of a vehicle, since this is where the battery is would
potentially be furthest away from the outer wall of the vehicle in
the event of an impact. The amount of storage space available in
the region of the center console is, however, limited which means
that it has to be completely used and the size of the battery
typically takes up the entire width of the center console. There is
then only very little space left for a crumple zone designed to
offer protection in the event of a lateral impact involving the
hybrid motor vehicle.
[0005] Motor vehicles can include deformation zones or crumple
zones to absorb loads. Some crumple zones protect the vehicle
electronics and, in the case of a hybrid vehicle, the vehicle
battery.
[0006] A pole impact test of a motor vehicle can involve a side
impact being simulated in which the vehicle is catapulted against
rigid objects such as trees or poles. In an impact of this kind, on
the driver's side of the vehicle the driver's seat can be pressed
against the center console in the transverse vehicle direction
(y-axis/y-direction) with respect to the center of the vehicle.
This presses the center console against the passenger's seat, as a
result of which the center console may be loaded. The main load
path within the seats during this process can be the seat axis on
which the seat back is rotated or pivoted back and forth. This
rotational axis of the seat back can be formed by a crossbar or
cross member made of metal which extends from the left to the right
over the entire width of each vehicle seat.
[0007] In the event of a lateral vehicle impact, the center
console, which contains the vehicle battery, could be compressed
between two crossbars of the rotational axes of the seat backs of
the two vehicle seats in a small area. The load peaks in this
region may be around 10 kN.
[0008] Since vehicle seats can be movable along the longitudinal
vehicle axis (x-axis/x-direction) and along the vertical vehicle
axis (z-axis/z-direction) for adjustment to different vehicle
passengers, the region of the outside of the vehicle battery
affected by a loading of this kind by the seat back cross member
can extend over the entire x/z plane.
[0009] The prior art proposes various solutions aimed at addressing
impact loads being directed toward the vehicle.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 8,376,074 B2 protects an arrangement with a
battery which is fixed on a floor element between two vehicle
seats. A reinforcement element is provided for fixing the first
seat and the second seat. In this case, the reinforcing element is
configured in such a manner that it extends over the battery in a
U-shaped manner, so that the reinforcing element creates a bridge
between the first seat and the second seat.
[0011] The battery arrangement in US 2017/029034 A1 includes a
floor tray with a carrier that receives a traction battery and is
itself fastened to the vehicle sill. In respect of the longitudinal
direction of the vehicle, two guide rails are provided at the front
and rear in which the carrier is displaceably mounted. If the sill
breaks as a result of an impact load, the carrier slides with the
traction battery in the transverse vehicle direction away from the
place of impact.
[0012] DE 10 2010 045 997 A1 discloses an assembly in which a
vehicle battery is arranged in trapezoidal form, in other words
with lateral bevels, in the center tunnel of the center console of
the vehicle. A likewise beveled reinforcement is provided on the
upper side of the vehicle battery, as a result of which the vehicle
battery along with the reinforcement is adapted to the geometry in
the center tunnel. Supported in this manner from within, in the
event of a lateral impact, the center console forms a support or an
abutment against a crossbar of the vehicle seat which has a
predetermined breaking point. The predetermined breaking point
causes the crossbar to bend upwardly and raises or pushes the seat
frame of the vehicle seat over the center console.
[0013] DE 10 2011 122 527 A1 discloses a structure for protecting a
battery in the center tunnel of the center console of a vehicle. In
this case, at least one side wall of the center tunnel is
reinforced in the region of the vehicle seat by means of an impact
energy-absorbing plate which absorbs lateral forces occurring on
the vehicle seat in the event of a side impact.
[0014] In U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,343 B2, a fuel cell stack is arranged
in the center tunnel of the center console. The region of the
center tunnel which surrounds the stack has a reinforced design,
such that in the event of a lateral impact, the load is transferred
from one vehicle seat directly to the other vehicle seat and the
load on the stack lying therebetween is minimized.
[0015] JP 2015-85828 A discloses an assembly in a hybrid vehicle in
which a vehicle battery is arranged in a housing elevated on the
center tunnel. The housing can be divided into a first portion and
a second portion. The first portion is arranged between the two
front seats. The first portion is deformably arranged relative to
the second portion for the absorption of impact energy, so that in
the event of a lateral impact on the vehicle, the battery remains
protected in the housing.
[0016] Although rigid boxes or reinforcements can protect the
vehicle battery from direct mechanical action, they can reduce the
effectiveness of the deformation zone.
SUMMARY
[0017] The teachings of this disclosure relate to protecting the
vehicle battery of a hybrid motor vehicle and optimizing the
deformation zone of the motor vehicle, particularly in the event of
a lateral impact.
[0018] According to the disclosure, an assembly of a hybrid motor
vehicle, in particular a mild hybrid motor vehicle, can include a
vehicle battery and a vehicle seat. The vehicle battery is
arranged, or can be arranged, in the region of the center
console.
[0019] It should be pointed out that the features and measures
specified individually in the following description can be combined
with one another in any technically feasible manner and disclose
further embodiments of the disclosure. The description
characterizes and specifies exemplary embodiments of this
disclosure, particularly in conjunction with the figures in
addition. The terms "above" and "below" or "on the upper side" and
"on the lower side" should be understood in relation to an
operating position of the vehicle, i.e. "upwards" points in the
direction of the vehicle top and "downwards" points in the
direction of the substructure or vehicle floor. The term "vehicle
battery" includes the battery itself, but also, where appropriate,
the housing or battery cage or protective cage belonging to the
battery. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to the
front seats in the vehicle, but the vehicle battery may also be
arranged between each other row of seats in the vehicle.
[0020] The disclosure generally relates to an assembly providing
impact protection for a vehicle battery of a hybrid motor vehicle,
in particular a mild hybrid motor vehicle. An assembly of this kind
is for a hybrid motor vehicle. The assembly can include at least a
first vehicle seat, a second vehicle seat arranged adjacent to the
first vehicle seat, a center console arranged therebetween, a
center tunnel arranged below the center console and a vehicle
battery. The assembly according to exemplary aspects of the
disclosure has a battery tray for receiving the vehicle battery.
The battery tray has an opening on the upper side or an upwardly
directed opening, and is arranged, or can be arranged, in the
region of the center console between the first vehicle seat and the
second vehicle seat.
[0021] By means of the disclosure, an environment is created for
the battery that can protect the battery and provide freedom of
movement. The battery tray acts as a kind of protective tray,
providing the assembly with the stiffness required in order to
protect the vehicle battery from unacceptable loads or deformation
caused by, for example, an up to 10 kN load through contact with
rigid components of the adjacent vehicle seat. In other words, the
first vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat preferably form the
front row of seats with the driver's seat and the passenger's seat
which is arranged in the transverse vehicle direction. A vehicle
battery is arranged between the vehicle seats in the region of the
center console. A battery tray can provide impact protection for
the vehicle battery, particularly in the event of a lateral impact,
in the inside of which battery tray the vehicle battery is
arranged. The battery tray surrounds the vehicle battery downwardly
and to the sides. In this way, it acts as a protective cage on all
sides, like a virtual "second skin" in the event of a side
impact.
[0022] Any gaps between the battery tray and the vehicle battery
can be additionally filled with a damping or protective material
where appropriate. By means of the upwardly directed opening, the
vehicle battery can be placed in the battery tray during
installation and removed again during installation and maintenance
work. The geometry of the battery tray is of course adapted to
different sizes or geometries of vehicle batteries used. Despite
the small amount of space available, damage to the vehicle battery
during a lateral impact can be reduced by the battery tray.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly has a flexible
fastening device. The battery tray can be fastened, or is fastened,
to the hybrid motor vehicle by means of the flexible fastening
device movably relative to the center tunnel.
[0024] The flexibility of the fastening device facilitates a
movement relative to the center tunnel and/or to the center console
and/or to the adjacent vehicle seats. Through relative movements of
this kind, elastic compensating movements are firstly possible
while travelling, in order to compensate for vibrations. In
addition, the impact energy during a lateral impact of the hybrid
motor vehicle can be absorbed and therefore reduced through a
movement of the battery tray in the transverse vehicle direction
with the help of the flexible fastening device.
[0025] The battery tray can be arranged above the center tunnel in
relation to the vehicle vertical axis. If a vehicle seat is
displaced towards the center of the vehicle, and therefore to the
center console, during a lateral impact, the battery tray does not
remain fixed but is moved along with the displaced vehicle seat.
The vehicle seat and the battery tray are telescoped, so to speak,
and thereby dissipate the impact energy. The fastening device
allows this movement thanks to its flexibility, but at the same
time prevents a detachment, which can be undesirable.
[0026] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the fastening device of
the assembly comprises one or multiple connecting elements which
are configured to fasten an underside of the battery tray to a
center tunnel upper side of the center tunnel.
[0027] The battery tray can therefore also be supported by the
connecting elements of the fastening device. The battery tray
therefore stands on an upper side of the center tunnel virtually
with the help of its connecting elements. This allows particularly
easy installation of the assembly, in particular of the battery
tray, in the hybrid motor vehicle.
[0028] In addition, in order to improve stability, the battery tray
of the assembly may be provided with a stiffening cover for closing
the upwardly directed opening of the battery tray. This cover
preferably lies on the opening edge of the upwardly directed
opening of the battery tray and can be removed from the battery
tray with no, or with only a small amount of, force. The two-part
embodiment of the battery tray allows a more selective distribution
of load and improved stability. In this way, while the stability
remains the same, material savings can be made and the weight of
the assembly can thereby be reduced.
[0029] The assembly is particularly suitable of a hybrid motor
vehicle, preferably for a mild hybrid vehicle, in which the first
vehicle seat and/or the second vehicle seat has/have at least one
crossbar or another cross member which are oriented in the
transverse vehicle direction. A crossbar of this kind is, for
example, the rotational axis of the seat back of the vehicle seat.
In an optional development, the assembly therefore has a load
distribution device which is arranged, or can be arranged, between
the crossbar and the battery tray.
[0030] A lateral impact to the hybrid motor vehicle can, in some
examples, lead to a point load on the vehicle battery or the
battery tray, particularly due to the crossbar of the rotational
axis of the seat back which extends over the entire width of the
vehicle seat. In order to improve reduce loading on the vehicle
battery, embodiments of the present disclosure distribute this
point load over a large area with the help of the load distribution
device. The loading of the battery tray therefore takes place over
a large area rather than at points, which means that load peaks of
10 kN, for example, can be reduced to 5-6 kN.
[0031] The load distribution device can include a cover arranged at
an end, or end portion, of the crossbar facing the center console,
which cover may form an abutment surface. The abutment surface can
be oriented perpendicularly to the crossbar.
[0032] The abutment surface provided by this cover therefore lies
in an x-z plane, so a plane which is oriented parallel to the
vehicle longitudinal axis and to the vehicle vertical axis. In the
event of a lateral impact, the crossbar is moved in the transverse
vehicle direction towards the center console, for example. By
arranging the cover between the crossbar and the center console, a
direct contact or abutment between the crossbar and center console
or battery tray is avoided. Instead, the force of the impact is
distributed in a planar manner, which can reduce a load directed
into the battery tray. In principle, the original cover of the
crossbar can be reused for the rotational axis of the seat back,
which reduces the cost of changing over to a hybrid motor vehicle
with an assembly of this kind. Alternatively, a cover specially
adapted to this load scenario can also be designed, for example
with a rib structure for improving the stability or load
distribution.
[0033] In an advantageous development of the disclosure, the load
distribution device may have a plate, wherein the plate is suitable
for transmitting a load or force from the crossbar to the cover
and/or battery tray.
[0034] This additional plate is preferably arranged between the
crossbar and the cover. The function of the plate in the event of
the hybrid motor vehicle suffering a lateral impact is that of
damping the momentum or the load of the movement of the crossbar
and simultaneously distributing it over a larger area. This can be
achieved by force-fitting and/or form-fitting connections both
towards the crossbar and also the cover. The plate can act as a
bypass during distribution of the load from the crossbar to the
cover and/or the battery tray. The distribution of load over a
large area takes place in two stages; initially from the crossbar
to the plate and then from the plate to the protective cover.
Alternatively, the cover and plate can also be produced in one
piece and/or using shock-absorbing materials.
[0035] In addition, the cover and/or the plate may have a rib
structure for reinforcing said cover and/or plate. Rib structures
are suitable in principle for improving the stiffness and therefore
the stability of a component. In particular, the plate can be
optimally configured for the load case during a lateral impact on
the hybrid motor vehicle, irrespective of design specifications, as
a butt plate which may not be visible from outside when an
additional cover is used.
[0036] A hybrid motor vehicle can include one of the assemblies in
one of the previously described embodiments.
[0037] To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of
text in the specification, certain features are described in
relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments. However, it
is to be understood that, where it is technically possible,
features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment may also
be used with any other aspect or embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0038] The various features and advantages of the disclosed
examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
detailed description. The figures that accompany the detailed
description can be briefly described as follows:
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic front view of an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 2a illustrates a front view of a load distribution
device according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 2b illustrates a perspective view of the load
distribution device of FIG. 2a.
[0042] FIG. 3 an exemplary mode of operation of the disclosure in
connection with a side view of the load distribution device of FIG.
2a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] This disclosure relates generally to assemblies that can
change how an impact load influences a vehicle battery.
[0044] Referring to the schematic front view in FIG. 1, an
exemplary assembly 100 is in the region of a center console 240, in
other words between a first or left vehicle seat 210 and a second
or right vehicle seat 220. The vehicle seats 210, 220 are each
depicted in idealized form by a crossbar 211 which can perform a
movement in a movement direction 300 along the z-axis represented
by a double arrow and is portrayed for each vehicle seat 210, 220
by way of example in two different positions on the z-axis. A
vehicle battery 230 of the hybrid motor vehicle is arranged in the
region of the center console 240 and above the center tunnel 241
running below the center console.
[0045] For purposes of this disclosure, identical parts are
provided with the same reference numbers in the different figures,
which is why they are also usually described only once. In
particular, the figures should be understood to mean that different
components are depicted in a hidden or simplified form to provide
greater clarity. Even if the vehicle battery is depicted in
simplified form as a cuboid, it, or the housing or battery
cage/protective cage surrounding it, may exhibit any suitable
external shape and size. Insofar as a vehicle or hybrid vehicle is
referred to below, a mild hybrid vehicle is also included.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 2a and continuing reference to FIG.
1, the vehicle battery 230 is mounted in a battery tray 150 that
can protect the vehicle battery 230 during a lateral impact
involving the hybrid motor vehicle. The battery tray 150 can have
the stiffness or stability sufficient to protect the vehicle
battery 230 from unacceptable loading/deformation, which can be
caused by an effect measuring up to 10 kN caused by a crossbar 211
of one of the adjacent vehicle seats 210, 220 during a lateral
impact on the hybrid motor vehicle and the resulting deformation of
the vehicle.
[0047] The battery tray 150 has an upwardly oriented opening 151
which allows simple insertion and removal of the vehicle battery
230. The geometric dimensions of the battery tray 150 or the
vehicle battery 230 arranged therein are prescribed by the
geometric dimensions of the center console 240, in particular by
the distance between the adjacent vehicle seats 210, 220, and can
be varied accordingly. Hence, the dimension of the battery tray 150
or the vehicle battery 230 arranged therein may be 140 mm, for
example, in the y-direction.
[0048] The battery tray 150, in the exemplary embodiment, is
fastened to the hybrid motor vehicle, in particular to the center
tunnel 241, by means of a flexible fastening device 156. The
flexibility of the fastening device 156 means that the battery tray
150 is movable relative to the center tunnel 241. In the event of a
lateral impact, the battery tray 150 does not therefore form a
rigid abutment for the crossbars 211 of the vehicle seats 210, 220
moving in the y-direction. Instead, the battery tray 150 follows
the movement and thereby prevents a force effect on the vehicle
battery 230 arranged in the inside 155 of the battery tray 150.
[0049] The fastening device 156 of the assembly 100 can comprise
two connecting elements 157, for example, which connect a lower
side 154 of the battery tray 150 to a center tunnel upper side 244
of the center tunnel 241 in each case, for fastening purposes. In
addition, the battery tray 150 of the assembly 100 has a
reinforcing cover 152 for closing the upwardly directed opening
151. The multi-part design of the battery tray 150 means that
additional options exist for improving the stability of the battery
tray 150 and reducing its weight.
[0050] A rigid crossbar 211 which extends over the entire width of
the vehicle seat 210, 220 in the y-direction can represent the
rotational axis of the seat back 215, for example, on which said
seat back 215 can be pivoted for ergonomic adjustment to the
vehicle passengers. In the event of an impact load, this crossbar
211 of the rotational axis may substantially exert a point force on
the side walls 153 of the battery tray 150. The assembly 100
therefore has a load distribution device 110 which is arranged
between the crossbar 211 and the battery tray 150. The load
distribution device 110 distributes the point load of the crossbar
211 over a large area and is moved with the crossbar 211 during a
manual or automatic adjustment of the vehicle seat 210, 220 in the
x-direction and/or in the z-direction.
[0051] The front view in FIG. 2a shows the battery tray 150 which
is arranged in, or in the region of, the center console 240. The
battery tray 150 is upwardly surrounded by a cover 243 (which can
also be referred to as an armrest) of the center console 240 and
laterally by side walls 242 of the center console 240. The center
tunnel upper side 244 of the center tunnel 240 is preferably
arranged therebelow (see FIG. 1).
[0052] In the exemplary embodiment, a dimension of the battery tray
150 in the y-direction measures 140 mm, for example, and therefore
corresponds virtually completely to the dimension of the center
console 240 in the y-direction. The vehicle seat 210, 220 with the
crossbar 211 is arranged to the left and right in the y-direction
alongside the center console 240. At an end region 211a of the
crossbar 211 facing the center console 240, a load distribution
device 110 (see FIG. 1) is provided.
[0053] In the exemplary embodiment, the load distribution device
110 has a cover 111 which forms an abutment surface 111a for the
striking of the crossbar 211 against the side walls 242 of the
center console 240 or the battery tray 150 in the event of an
impact load passing through the hybrid motor vehicle. The load
distribution device 110 may, in addition, comprise a plate 112
between the cover 111 and the crossbar 211, which plate improves
the process of the load distribution from the crossbar 211 to the
cover 111 and increases the stability of the load distribution
device 110. For this purpose, the plate 112 is coupled in a
force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner to the seat back
rotational device 214, the crossbar 211, and/or the cover 111. The
plate 112 may also be configured with ribs, in particular
reinforcing ribs, for this purpose. The plate 112 may therefore
form a kind of bypass for the load from the crossbar 211 to the
cover 111 when the hybrid motor vehicle is involved in a lateral
impact and reduce the load peaks from 10 kN, for example, to load
peaks of 5-6 kN, for example.
[0054] With reference to FIG. 2b, the original component of the
protective cover may also be reused as the cover 111 for the load
distribution device 110. The seat back rotational device 214 allows
a rotation or pivoting of the seat back 215 relative to the seat
surface 216 of the vehicle seats 210, 220.
[0055] In the exemplary embodiments, the vehicle seats 210, 220
include a substructure 217 and are therefore height-adjustable in
the z-direction and displaceable along the seat rail 218 in the
x-direction for adjustment to the ergonomic needs of the vehicle
passengers.
[0056] According to FIG. 3, the plurality of possible movements 300
(FIG. 1) in the x-direction and/or in the z-direction gives rise to
a movement field 301 in which the crossbar 211 can remain during
the running of the hybrid motor vehicle and, in the event of a
lateral impact, can cause damage to the battery tray 150 in the
region of the center console 240 and in an overlapping region 302
between the crossbar 211 and the battery tray 150.
[0057] A local or concentrated reinforcement is not therefore
sufficient, since an impact of the crossbar 211 on the vehicle
battery 230 can take place at various locations. In the present
disclosure, the impact protection in the event of a lateral impact
is therefore configured independently of the current position of
the rotational axis of the seat back 215. By means of the battery
tray 150, particularly in conjunction with the flexible mounting
above the center tunnel 241, the vehicle battery 230 (FIG. 1) can
be protected in its entire overlapping region 302 with the crossbar
211 in the event of an impact.
[0058] The load distribution device 110 can also move with the
movement 300 of the crossbars 211 in the entire movement field 301,
and therefore in the overlapping region 302 of the battery tray 150
or of the vehicle battery 230. The load distribution device 110 is
therefore available to protect the vehicle battery 230,
irrespective of the position of the crossbar 211, in the event of
an impact. In this way, the vehicle battery 230 and also the
vehicle passengers can be protected in the event of a lateral
impact load being applied to the vehicle.
[0059] The teachings of this disclosure can also be used in a
vehicle without a center tunnel where the vehicle battery is
arranged between the two seats.
[0060] The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting
in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples
may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not
necessarily depart from the essence of this disclosure. Thus, the
scope of legal protection given to this disclosure can only be
determined by studying the following claims.
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